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I Love to Read Month and Dr. Seuss' Birthday
Wednesday kicks off I Love to Read Month ending on Friday, March 2nd with celebrating Dr. Seuss's Birthday.  The following link is a wonderful resource of information about Theodore Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss).  http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/politicaldrseuss/more.html
If anyone is interested in showing some videos about Dr. Seuss there are several available on Learn 360 in addition to the dvd titled the political Dr. Seuss that is available from the high school (this is probably most appropriate for students in grades 6-12).  There is so much to learn from Dr. Seuss and his books and can be connected to history or character education that is taught in our schools.  Did you know that The Butter Battle Book was in response to Reagan and the Cold War? There is so much to learn about Dr. Seuss and his political side.

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Profile for Technology Literate Students


This week's example is from the Profiles for Technology Literate Students for grades 9-12.

3. Select digital tools or resources to use for real-world task and justify the selection based on their efficiency and effectiveness. (3, 6)
The Minnesota Learning Loop Teacher Classroom Resources, created by TIES, is a database of online resources linked to the Minnesota Academic Standards.  It provides a great resource to address the Profile above.  Using the filter by keyword, grade and content area you will find many MN Standards-based resources. Check out this K-12 resource at: http://learningloop.informns.k12.mn.us/resources
1. Creativity and Innovation
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts

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Game-Based Learning
Below is a link to an article that was printed a year ago about what students learn in Game-Based Learning.  I am still learning and following how Game-Based Learning is evolving and being used in education.  If you are interested check out this article it references many of the leaders in this field including James Paul Gee.
http://www.utechtips.com/2010/01/22/games-what-exactly-are-kids-learning/

Math Videos to Inspire and Frighten
I must admit I did not watch the videos to frighten, but did watch the videos to inspire.  If nothing else, watch the third video Teaching Math Without Words by Matthew Peterson.  This may be something to further investigate!  Please check it out!
http://www.fractuslearning.com/2012/01/10/6-math-videos-inspire-frighten/


Profile for Technology Literate Students


This week's example is from the Profiles for Technology Literate Students for grades K-2.

4. In a collaborative work group, use a variety of technologies to produce a digital presentation or product in a curriculum area. (1, 2, 6)
This profile can be seen in some of the projects Sue Strautz has done in her classroom this year using Prezi, Blabbercize, Animoto along with using tools such as a Flip Video camera and more! If you are looking for ideas that are happening in our schools stop in to see Sue or talk to your colleagues to find out what they are doing.
1. Creativity and Innovation
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts

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Profile for Technology Literate Students

This week's example is from the Profiles for Technology Literate Students for grades 3-5.

1. Produce a media-rich digital story about a significant local event based on first-person interviews. (1, 2, 3, 4)
This profile is a great way for students to tell a story of wonderful things happening in our community or even in our schools where they interview other students or adults to tell their story and post it on a school or teacher website for parents and other community members to see.  This is a great way for students to see how their learning is authentic.
1. Creativity and Innovation
2. Communication and Collaboration
3. Research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts

District Wide Information

Using Common Craft Style Videos in the Classroom

Below is a short Common Craft Style Video that I made to explain how simple it is!  Check it out!  This video format can be used for student presentations or even digital storytelling.

I've also attached links to other information regarding Common Craft videos.


http://www.utechtips.com/2010/03/23/creating-common-craft-videos/
http://www.commoncraft.com/one-producers-perspective-copying-common-craft-style-videos
http://www.whenwework.com/2010/04/26/how-to-explain/